Leather Soul Waikiki – LSW

I was actually anticipating shopping here (it was on my «stores to see» list), but was massively annoyed at how staff completely ignored me. Not even a hello or acknowledgement of my existence, despite me being in there several minutes and examining several items. Very rude, especially considering they’re in a tourist district where no one really dresses up to go shopping. Maybe they only cater to tourists in polo shirts and older gents in Aloha wear, but it’s their loss and my money saved. 1 stars for carrying some solid brands, though definitely on the more conservative side (very Nordstrom).
I can’t recommend this place, obviously. For the record, I had good customer service at T Galleria by DFS and Neiman Marcus, among many other places.

Ever in Waikiki-​Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and looking for dress shoes or even some New balance sneakers, make sure to stop by this store. Customer service is top notch, highly knowledgable and very helpful. Premium goods with an excellent selection.
Whenever I make the time to stop by, always greeted with warm aloha.
Special thanks to William Lau for helping us out.

LeatherSoul is quite possibly, the best shoe store on the planet. Literally. Ask anyone who knows anything about mens shoes, and I guarantee you, they will have heard of it.
In the 2 years I’ve been a customer here, I’ve probably purchased 10+ pairs of shoes, but more importantly got to meet some really awesome people, and formed friendships with like minded people.
Initially, price was what made me weary of purchasing anything saving you mon, as I was used to Cole Haan, and completely fine with it, but after trying on a pair of Alden or St. Crispin, you will never want to go back! For just a little more than what you would pay at the mall for shoes, you can get something of unreal quality, that can be resoled over and over again, saving you money in the long run, as well as your feet!
All the employees are awesome, and very knowledgeable, and you may even possibly see Tom the owner as well. It’s like talking to a celebrity. Very cool.
So if you’re in the area, just stop in and try a pair on. You’ll thank me later!

If you’re in the neighborhood for some great quality shoes, this is the place for you!
Granted, you are getting what you are paying for ($ 400+ per pair), the shoes offered at LSW are hand made from the finest leather. This place is a leather lovers dream. They offer many of the large leather shoe brands like Alden, John Lobb, Edward Green, and Saint Crispin’s. They also offer high end shoe care products from Saphir and luggage from Rimowa.
The staff here is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Kuni helped me pick out my first (and only so far) pair from here and I’ve never looked back.
Every man should have a good pair of leather shoes (in both black and brown) and the staff here will make your experience one to remember.

I’ve been to the store in Beverly Hills and knew I wanted to stop by the one in Waikiki given the opportunity.
They have an amazing selection of leather shoes. The staff is helpful and very knowledgeable about these beautiful pieces to wrap your feet in. I was looking for a particular color of Indys that they did not have in stock which was a bit disappointing but totally understandable. They offered to take my information and let me know when the shoe was available. If you’re ever looking for a special pair of shoes to indulge in, stop on by.

Two Stars. Two and not zero cause they have great stuff. Been a fan of Edward Greens for over the years and heard this place carried it. Worked my way into Waikiki and loved what I saw. Two people working. I was wearing normal stuff. Nothing fancy. regular jeans, regular leather shoes. Nothing fancy. Saw some shoes I was pretty interested in. I also saw some nice globe trotter luggage and was interested in replacing my existing set. Walked back and forth while one was standing right on top of a Japanese tourist couple and the other one was on the phone. Hung out a bit more and came back to the main room and the hovering dude was still there. The dude that WAS on the phone is now gone. I waited for a few more, made eye contact with the hovering guy who obviously was either not wanting to help me or just didnt care. Maybe he didnt notice my AP watch on? Mae eye contact one more time and he looked away. who knows why. Walked out pretty disappointed. Immediately called my AMEX concierge and let them know of the lack of service and experience. Who knows. Hope AMEX looks into it. I would hate for other Centurian members to experience that. In the meantime, if you know what you want, I have had fairly good to great service from Sterling and Burke with my globetrotter needs (they ship with no issues) and Axels in Colorado who AMEX has helped me get shoes from before when I looked for Edward Green. Pretty disappointing to see such fine merchandise and have lack of salesmanship and professionalism in the staff.
Hope that there is investment in people interested in making sales for the future. I would love to support people who are interested in the art of salesmanship.

Update:
They’ve opened up their downtown location, LSDT, but I don’t think they have a separate Unilocal page for it. Anyways, I was fortunate enough to attend a few social events at their new store and my oh my is it a sight to see – and actually I went with a friend to the grand opening. It also, just so happens that I picked up my second pair from LS at an event at their LSDT store a month ago. It was Will who helped me out again (also shout out to Justin and Shane for the added help). What can go wrong with scotch tasting, JJ Dolans pizza, and new St Crispins? Nothing.
Much mahalos again to the leather soul ohana!
ps. I forgot to mention they have Leather Soul stamped golf balls, Pro V1’s to be exact.

first off — I agree with previous posts that any review based on web surfing only should be disregarded. With that being said, I’ve visited this store twice recently (last 2 months) finally deciding to buy two pairs of $ 800+ shoes. Probably a pair of Edward Green’s and one other British brand.
Leather Soul says that they are a store that wants to develop relationships. Well, I couldn’t get the time of day when I went in there. I don’t know if it was my appearance (casual shorts with boat shoes), that I wasn’t a tourist, or what, I could not get any engagement at all. When I first walked in, there was only one other customer in the store with two sales guys. the one not helping the customer wouldn’t stop his paperwork long enough to help me!!.
I’m giving the store 3 stars because they have Great brands but their service stinks. Especially for a store that relies on relationships and superior service. Brands 5+ Service 1–
I won’t go back — I will go to NYC instead too bad as I really like any store that stocks quality goods but I do expect superior service!

Exceptional shoe store. great service, quality shoes. The best!

Unilocal staff, I think Alan B.‘s review should be removed as he has based this review off of what he read off the website?!? He has never even visited the store, and has never had any experience as much as a phone call to them. So how does his review even count?
Alan B, you have no idea what you are talking about… Landon Y’s got it all right.
Just paid a visit to Leather Soul’s new store in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center today. I must say they did a great job on their new store! Comfy setting to browse and shop for the top brand of shoes out there. Now as stated, if you are looking for a discounted shoe store then look else where. These shoes are not cheap, but if you look into what you’re buying you’ll know that they are well worth the price. I can’t say that I’m a shoe connoisseur or anything. Today’s pair was my first set of nice shoes. I got a pair of Edward Green made to order. Yes, just for me and perfect to my feet! Now how many shoe stores in Hawaii will offer this service for you? The service at Leather Soul was tops! I’m sure to send anyone who’s looking for some nice high end leather shoes to see them. 5 stars all the way!

When my fiancé and I were in Hawaii to go to a wedding, we stopped in here and stumbled upon this wonderful little store. The prices were very reasonable so we couldn’t help ourselves and perused much of the selection. My fiancé ended up buying a pair and the person working was so helpful, down to earth, and I got a very honest feel from them. We ended up buying and felt no pressure and the customer service was great.

I don’t come away with the same impression as Alan B. when reading the «About» section on Leather Soul’s website. Maybe I’m an easily bullied, middle class, British gentleman wannabe.
I think what Leather Soul is trying to convey is that it is not a faceless online discounter, but a small store that depends on the repeat business of regular clientele. I don’t find anything snooty about this notion.
To the shoes. Leather Soul carries several different makers (Edward Green, Gaziano Girling, Alden, and J. M Weston). I think the strength of Leather Soul is the fact that it gets models made specifically for the store. For example, Leather Soul carries more models of Aldens on the Plaza last than most, if not all, other retailers. The Plaza last, while not fashion forward, is a handsome, somewhat chiseled toe shape. I recently purchased the semi brogue cordovan on this last, and I am very happy with the shoes. Tom Park was very easygoing and helpful, and the whole transaction was without fault. And I live thousands of miles away from the store.
The prices are fair. Aldens here are priced the same as Aldens at other retailers. You just got a more interesting selection at Leather Soul. Ditto with Edward Green.

I’m not sure what Alan B. has going on, perhaps a personal vendetta against all high-​end purveyors of leather shoes… or just frustrated about walking into a store that did not have the same philosophy as he does… whatever it is, it does not reflect the many experiences I have had with Tom and the staff at Leather Soul.
Here are the highlights of Leather Soul. (IMHO, and experiences)
–Personal shoe fitting, which most men rarely take advantage of. (men, you need to do this, and if the size is lower than you thought, be a man and accept it, don’t let your pride get in the way of a good fit shoe)
–Solid selection of top shoe craftsmen brands. (Alden, Edward Green, JM Weston, Paraboot, Island Slipper, and Rimowa Luggage)
–Leather Soul editions of Alden selections. Some even custom designs only available at Leather Soul Hawaii.
–Relaxing shopping atmosphere, comfortable leather chairs, and at the times i have visited, dating back to the original days in downtown Honolulu, a nice LCD TV to watch…
So ultimately, yes, Leather Soul is incredibly pricey compared to a traditional men’s shoe store. However, these shoes and the store itself serves a specific market, and a high percentage of which are Japanese tourists and local business executives. Believe me, I don’t have tons of $$$ floating around, but i know a good investment when i see one. A pair of Alden’s leather will last a lifetime, and just needs to be re-​soled.
They must be doing something right, because in 4 short years the business has grown to a flagship location in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
So Alan B., if you want to bargain or find things on sale, check out Macy’s, or better yet, Aloha Stadium swap meet has lots of vendors that are willing to discuss deals with you.